H A L A T

(ON HOLD TILL 2024)

Flames.

The continuous chanting of mantras by the priest were sounding deaf to my ears. I wish just like my ears I could null the reality. Vanish into this thin air, hiding me from the upcoming catastrophe.

I aimlessly fixed my vision on those flames which had to be looked at through the thin red cloth covering my face. Forcing my eyes to my right side to see a man performing all the rituals the priest was saying. His face was not visible from the sehra just like his name was unknown to me.

The peripheral of my dupatta was connected to his shawl. Is this how our fate was connected?

Closing my eyes letting those heavy drop let it fall freely. Just like these tears, time was slipping and my hands were tied.

My mind was blank but even if I tried hard only one question popped. Probabilities of how my death will be planned.

If I get up, I will die. If I don't later my unknown husband will surely kill me.

" Stop right now. Stop this marriage."

I wish ignorance was bliss.